Hushed up play keeps enticing viewers

Usted está aquí stands out for its originality: instead of making the typical theatre play, this large cast — directed by Natalia Chami and Romina Bulacio Sak — create multiple and parallel scenes in the same place. Every space in the Ciudad Cultural Konex is put to good use at its highest potential, in order to make a dynamic show that includes a big variety of theatrical moments.

It is almost impossible to talk about a specific set design because the whole establishment is full of as many different elements as needed to create a particular situation. Starting at the entrance of the Konex and ending in the theatre hall, this 70-minute-tour takes the audience through a wide variety of constantly swapping mise-en-scenes. Instead of requiring a quiet and motionless audience, Usted Está Aquí needs viewers who are ready to interact throughout the large array of scenarios the play puts forward.

The same happens with the costumes and the light design. Every theatric element is adapted to fit into a particular context, creating a specific and original atmosphere which directly relates to the scene the cast is performing. One scene leads to another, generating a continuous transformation in the tour and making clear that the whole experience is a combination of multiple and unrelated theatrical moments.

When the tour starts, an actress representing an air hostess guides the group into the first scene and, from there on, the actors and actresses are in charge of directing the audience into the other scenes. The interaction between the viewers and the performances is indispensable. The cast questions the viewers and also asks for their help and participation. Dancing, singing and embodying specific roles are some of the most required ways to get involved with the performance.

Formed with more than 50 actors and actresses and five musicians, this impressively-sized cast allows the parallel production of mise-en-scenes. Every performance is impeccable, funny and well-achieved. With a wide variety of characters, adapting them as needed by context, the cast’s acting ability is one of the most remarkable features of this show. Although the actors speak in different languages and display multiple physical skills, the most outstanding advantage of the play is their ability to work in a large group with excellent and dynamic coordination.

Usted Está Aquí demands from its viewers — at the beginning and at the end — full confidentiality about what happens inside. Avoiding the details and complete description of the tour makes the experience more interesting. This is why the play’s producers insist that the less the viewers know about the scenes, the more enjoyment they’ll derived from it.

Standing out for its original approach, this particular performance converges into a dynamic and gripping experience.